Partition structure with adjustable end member

ABSTRACT

A partition structure combination for use with shelving or the like is detailed, with at least one adjustable end connector member. The combination is connectable to a supporting structure over a variable length. The adjustable end connector is slidably connected to the partition structure to effect the variation in mounting length.

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[21} Appl. No.: 99,611 Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr. Att0rneyParmelee, Utzler & Welsh 57' ABSTRACT A partition structure combination for use with shelving or the like is detailed, with at least one adjustable end connector member. The combination is connecta- [52] U.S. U184 [51] Int. 5/00 [58] Field of Search l/l 84, 43; 248/279, 286

[56] References Cited ble to a supporting structure over a variable length. UNITED STATES PATENTS The adjustable end, connector is slidably connected to u w .m e F g t .m C w e a a r e D m 4 m m u 0| t a C I m C S l n .w mn Pk e8 ...m e 14m 18 l. 2 "I" "2 nm em t a8 ed m PEJ 799 922 899 111 ll, 1115 P'A'TE'N'TEDncI 11 I972 Fla-K 3 M/ var/r09 BLAIR 0. ARMSTRONG his 4 Homeys' PARTITION STRUCTURE WITH ADJUSTABLE END MEMBER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Partition structures used to segregate merchandise or display shelves or counters can be mounted on, or connected to, the shelf or counter by providing end connectors for the partition structure. The end connectors fit and are retained by slotted molding which is SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A partition structure with at least one adjustable end connector is detailed. The adjustable end connector is slidably connected to the main body of the partition structure, with the adjustment varying the length over which the structure is mountable. The partition structure comprises a linearly extending body portion. The adjustable end connector comprises a mounting connector portion at the extremity end thereof, and an elongated arm portion which extends for a predetermined distance along the linearly extending partition structure. The elongated arm portion has at least one elongated aperture therethrough. Fastening means are included with'the partition structure, directed through the aperture whereby the end connector is slidably connected to the partition structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of the partition structure of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view in elevation of one end portion of the structure;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of one end portion; and

FIG. 4 is a section through IV-IV of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The present invention can be best understood by reference to the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings. The partition structure 10 comprises a latticed, linearly extending body portion 11, and an integrally formed base portion 12. These sections of the partition structure are formed of a clear, plastic material, and are integrally formed by molding. The base portion 12 has a broadened flange 13 extending from one side thereof. The bottom 14 of the base portion is planar to act as a support surface on the shelf or counter upon which it is disposed.

An adjustable end connector member 15 is slidably connected to each end of the base portion 12 of the partitionstructure 10. The member 15 comprises a connector portion 16 at the extremity thereof, which connector portion 16 is adapted to fit a slotted counter edge moulding, or other such support means. The particular connector portion 16 here is an inverted generally U-shaped member. The adjustable end connector member 15 includes a bifurcated portion 17 extending from the connector portion 16 toward the partition structure 10. One extending arm 18 of the bifurcated portion 17 overfits the flanged portion 13 of base 12, while the other extending arm 19 of the bifurcated portion 17 extends along the unflanged or flush side 20 of the base 12. The bottom surface 21 of arm 19 is planar with the bottom surface 14 of the base portion.

The arm 18 of the bifurcated portion 17 has two elongated slot apertures 22 spaced along the length of arm 18. Rivets 23 are fastened to and extend up from the flanged portion 13 through individual, respective slot apertures 22, and have a broadened head 24 attached at the top portion of the rivet which extends through the aperture. The broadened rivet heads 24 have a greater diameter than the slot aperture dimension, whereby the member 15 is slidably connected to the base 12. The length by which member 15 extends out beyond the body portion 11 of the structure is thus slidably adjustable.

I The arm 18 of the bifurcated portion 17 has a downward extending edge portion 25 which terminates with a bottom edge surface 26, which is coplanar with the bottom surface 14 of the base-portion, and with the bottom surface 21 of arm 19, to be able to further assist in supporting the structure 10.

The extending arms 18, 19 of the bifurcated portion 17 are vertically offset by the thickness of the flanged base portion, since extending arm 18 overfits the flanged base portion. v

In the exemplary embodiment the adjustable. end

connector member is formed of a suitable metal, as are the headed rivets. The provision of the elongated aperture slidably retained by the fastening rivets allows for very ready sliding adjustment of the end member. The slidability of the elongated arm portion which is connected to the flanged portion of the base is improved by having the aperture area comprise a substantial part of the elongated arm portion area. This minimizes the frictional surface area between the flanged base portion and the overfitted arm of the end connector.

The connector portion of the adjustable end connector member can be readily varied to 'connectably fit a variety of support means. The inverted, generally U- shaped connector portion shown in the drawings is an exemplary embodiment which fits a particular slotted edge molding support means.

Only one end of the partition structure need be provided with the described adjustable end portion to provide adjustability. The other end of the structure can be provided with a simple connector.

While two elongated apertures are described for the preferred embodiment, the device can be constructed with one such means for effecting slidable connection The end connector 16 is also bifurcated in the embodiment shown to fit a specific slotted binning strip or edge molding, whereby the bifurcated portions fit in separate slots to thereby prevent lateral movement of the partition structure.

Iclaim:

l. A linearly extending partition structure for shelving or the like, with at least one adjustable end connector member whereby the partition structure is connectable to a supporting structure of variable length, said partition structure comprising a vertical body portion and an integral base portion which includes a broadened flange on one side, said adjustable end coning a downwardly extending outer edge portion terminating in a bottom edge coplanar with the bottom of the partition base and the second arm, at least one elongated slot aperture is provided through the first arm, and a rivet extends from the broadened flange through the aperture with a broadened head attached to the rivet extending through the aperture to thereby slidably connect the end connector to the partition structure.

a: a: a: a: 

1. A linearly extending partition structure for shelving or the like, with at least one adjustable end connector member whereby the partition structure is connectable to a supporting structure of variable length, said partition structure comprising a vertical body portion and an integral base portion which includes a broadened flange on one side, said adjustable end connector member comprising a mounting connector portion at the extremity end thereof and a bifurcated portion extending therefrom along the partition base, the bifurcated portion comprises a first arm which is slidably mounted on the broadened flange portion of the partition base, with the second arm of the bifurcated portion extending along the other side of the partition base, said second arm having a bottom portion planar with the bottom of the partition base bottom to stabilize the partition, the said first arm portion including a downwardly extending outer edge portion terminating in a bottom edge coplanar with the bottom of the partition base and the second arm, at least one elongated slot aperture is provided through the first arm, and a rivet extends from the broadened flangE through the aperture with a broadened head attached to the rivet extending through the aperture to thereby slidably connect the end connector to the partition structure. 